ProcessImprovementBlog

Achieve Excellence in Business Processes

Combining Mega-Tools for Continuous Improvement

There are various approaches utilized in continuous improvement and each of them is unique in its own aspect. Professionals in the area on continuous improvement and quality management face this dilemma of which approach is suited best for their needs and problems. Some adopt Six sigma, some go for Lean implementation, some choose QFD etc etc.

Recently, I read this very useful text in one of my favorite book for the quality tools, The Quality Toolbox by Nancy R. Tague, published by ASQ Quality Press.

Here is the excerpt, which I found very useful......
"
  • Lean manufacturing focuses on speed and efficiency: eliminating waste.
  • Six Sigma focuses on quality: eliminating defects through reduced variation.
  • MBNQA focuses on leadership: implementing management systems for performance excellence.
  • Benchmarking focuses on best practices: seeking great ideas for breakthrough improvements.
  • ISO 9000 focuses on consistency: eliminating unpleasant surprises through standardization and discipline.
  • Quality function deployment (QFD) focuses on customers: creating products and services they want.
"
This as an excellent way of combining these different approaches in one complete continuous improvement framework where they are compatible with each other. In fact, since every approach focuses on a different aspect, they complement each other in the whole business improvement process. For example, QFD will tell us the customer requirements translated into our own processes and product attributes. This will provide inputs to lean and Six Sigma programs to improve processes, reduce process times, eliminate defects and build quality. ISO will ensure standardized processes to sustain these improvements and Benchmarking will be useful for senior management to identify & implement best practices within or outside the company and hence keep the cycle of improvement going.


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